ACTIVE FURNNITURE PROJECT

This project transformed a former art shop inside a local cultural center into a place that supports co-creation activities by citizens. By combining inclusive components that afford actions that anyone can easily perform, such as joining, knotting, and plugging, users can freely and intuitively assemble everything from furniture to spaces. By democratizing manufacturing, the project aimed to make public facilities more open to citizens.
We needed to revitalize an art store inside a cultural facility that had lost its purpose and vitality due to its closure. Since the site is on the second basement level and is easily accessible from a major train station, it was expected to be used by citizens of all ages and genders, so we discussed with the client how to design a space that would allow them to intuitively and freely find their own use. Another important theme was to create opportunities for citizens to participate proactively so that this activity would not be transitory. In public facilities, where citizen participation tends to be passive, we aimed to create an atmosphere where citizens can actively use public facilities by improving their independence and involvement through a design with a blank space and rough materials.
By using materials that can be used to create spaces from furniture without modifying elements such as floors, walls, and ceilings, the project contributes to society while minimizing environmental impact and maximizing the rebirth of the space. In addition, existing furniture is also utilized to compose the space, thereby eliminating the waste of existing furniture. The plywood is joined with ropes and bands, so that anyone can reassemble it without tools if they wish to change its use or relocate it. To ensure the continuous operation of the facility, a process is adopted to regularly solicit ideas from the public regarding the theme of the use of the space, and while the public is involved in the operation, the facility is managed sustainably by becoming a base for creating new employment opportunities, including volunteer work.